Thousands of protesters filled the streets of Los Angeles on Tuesday after aggressive ICE raids detained scores of undocumented immigrants in the city’s southern districts. The federal government responded with a large military presence, deploying nearly 5,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines.

Protesters chanted slogans, carried signs, and blocked key highways as anger over immigration enforcement spilled into public view. Activists condemned the raids as “inhumane” and “politically motivated,” while demanding an immediate halt to federal crackdowns.

President Trump defended the actions during a speech at Fort Bragg, vowing to “liberate Los Angeles from chaos”. California Governor Gavin Newsom responded sharply, calling the federal deployment an “unconstitutional assault on American values.”

Demonstrations also broke out in cities like Chicago, New York, Austin, and Seattle, turning the Los Angeles unrest into a national flashpoint over immigration enforcement.

Local officials imposed a citywide curfew Tuesday evening, but thousands defied it, staging sit-ins and nonviolent marches well into the night. Civil rights groups have filed emergency lawsuits to block further raids and military action.

As the standoff continues, the country watches closely. For many, the protests reflect a broader battle over immigration, states’ rights, and federal overreach in 2025.